James Brightman encourages exploring at La Salle and beyond

By Tara Pizzo
Senior Staff Writer
August 30, 2006

With the beginning of a new school year, students are faced with many options regarding how they would like to gain the full college experience. Some students will choose to do this by studying abroad for a short time or for a semester.

What often goes unnoticed is the person who coordinates the study abroad program at La Salle, International Education Coordinator James Brightman.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Ind., Brightman currently resides in Collingswood, N.J. with his wife, Elizabeth, and two beagles.

At only 31 years old, Brightman has traveled to several countries around the world and has received three degrees.

In August 1996, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature, as well as a minor in Philosophy from Indiana University. He then received his master’s degree in education in the areas of secondary English and social studies instruction from the University of Notre Dame in July 2001.

This past month, Brightman was one of the first graduates to receive his master’s degree in global history from La Salle.

Even while pursuing three degrees within 10 years, Brightman found the time to write a textbook, Suitability Standards for Life Insurance and Annuities.

“Although it may not sound like a page-turner, financial services professionals must fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses and the book has been successful with that audience,” Brightman said.

After spending three years at a publishing company in Indianapolis, Brightman taught in an inner-city Catholic school in Atlanta, Ga. while taking classes at the University of Notre Dame in the summer. This experience was made possible through the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) Master’s program at Notre Dame.

“This Americorps program places non-education majors in under-resourced Catholic schools in the south with a focus on spirituality, community and education. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life and sold me on a career in education,” Brightman said.

From 2001 until 2003, Brightman taught at international schools such as the Internationale Schule Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany, and Marist Brothers International School in Kobe, Japan.

Teaching in international schools proved to be some of the greatest years of Brightman’s life. It was these experiences that helped Brightman decide to become involved in international education for the remainder of his life.

“I thoroughly enjoyed those years. My wife and I were newly married. Learning the languages was both fun and exasperating. The kids were fantastic,” he said. “International schools are the ideal model for education. It breaks down barriers and builds intercultural skills at an early age.”

After traveling throughout those years, Brightman returned to the United States, and La Salle had an open position dealing with international education.

“I knew that I would get a lot of experience since La Salle was just starting to think internationally.,” he said. “It proved to be a very smart decision because I have accomplished and learned much more in three years than I would have at a school that was more established in the field of international education.”

Brightman’s position at La Salle keeps him extremely busy. As International Education Coordinator, he is always on his toes.

“I develop and promote semester and short-term study abroad experiences for La Salle students. This consists of information sessions, class presentations, study abroad tables, advising, pre-departure orientation, welcome back receptions and services throughout the experience.

Brightman also gets the chance to travel through the program. “I also check on our programs periodically. This has already led me to Mexico City twice to create and develop an immersion experience designed for students who want to improve Spanish fluency and expand their knowledge of Mexican history and culture.”

Brightman even traveled to Tijuana with the service group, Los Ninos, as staff moderator and taught a travel/study course about modern Japan. This brought about a 10 day tour of Japan with some La Salle students in spring 2006.

This year, he will be checking on programs in Europe, as well as visiting Australia for a new program.

Of course, during Brightman’s spare time, he loves to travel. He also enjoys cooking, playing drums and watching films.

Brightman is also able to take his wife along with him in his journeys. “My wife is a German teacher, so I have helped her chaperone students in Germany in the past. We also like to get away periodically throughout the year. Lately, we have enjoyed traveling to Canada, especially Montreal and Toronto, and the West coast, [such as] trips to Napa Valley, Big Sur, Phoenix and Seattle,” he said.

Brightman encourages students to study abroad. He studied abroad in London as an undergraduate at Indiana University and believes that it would be a worthwhile experience.

“Take this chance to explore the world through a travel/study or study abroad experience, a service learning trip,r volunteering, interning or working in another country. You will never regret it,” he said.

pizzot@lasalle.edu